Last week, four of us doulas met up for drinks and dinner at one of our favorite Local spots, The Venue. And, like always when we get together, the conversation turned to birth.
One of my friends shared about her client who had done her research, written her birth plan, and included a request to “wait for white” before cutting the cord.
If you’re not familiar, “wait for white” is a more specific version of asking for delayed cord clamping. Instead of clamping at 30, 60, or even 90 seconds (which is what most providers consider “delayed”), it means waiting until the cord stops pulsing and turns limp and white, usually 2–5 minutes or more. That way, baby gets the full blood volume they’re meant to have, instead of leaving those precious cells behind in the cord.
So this client asked her OB about it in a prenatal visit. And the OB said:
👉 “The cord doesn’t do that.”
I wish you could’ve seen my face. Mouth. on. the. floor.
Here’s a supposedly highly educated provider, and either:
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She’s never actually seen it (because she clamps right away in every birth), OR
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She straight-up lied.
Either way? 🚩 Not okay.
And here’s photographic proof in case you don't believe me: cords really do turn white. Not just rarely or once in a while... but, like, everytime...
This is exactly why it’s so important not to take everything your provider says as fact. Even the most well-meaning OBs and midwives are shaped by their training, their environment, and their own routines.
If you asked this OB about surgical birth, she’d probably give a perfect answer. But when it comes to physiological birth? If she’s telling families something that literally happens in front of us every day doesn’t exist… that’s a major red flag.
Here’s the truth:
💡 Your provider may know a lot. But you are the only one who can filter that through your goals, your values, and your vision for your birth.
Never be afraid to ask questions. Never be afraid to double-check. And for the love of Pete - if it sounds off or wonky, please trust your gut.
And if you’re ever unsure about something a provider has said, hit reply and ask us. We’re not medical professionals, but we are deeply versed in physiological birth and we’ll help you find the information you need to feel confident and aligned.
Always in your corner,
💛 Kayla & Leslie
P.S. We’ve got a free workshop coming up where we’ll share the most important parts of birth prep most people don’t think about. It’s happening September 28th — learn more save your spot here: The Secret to Labor Land FREE Workshop
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